The Happiest Celebration on Earth
Disney announces Disneyland's 50th anniversary celebration
plans
Wednesday, May 5, 2004
by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix, staff writer
Anaheim, CA – The Walt Disney Company today announced “The
Happiest Celebration on Earth,” which marks the 50th anniversary
of Disneyland with the introduction of new shows and attractions at all
of its 10 Disney theme parks. The 18-month-long promotion begins May 5,
2005, and includes a three-month move of its Disney Magic cruise
ship from Port Canaveral, Florida, to Los Angeles.
Florida's Walt Disney World is opening an original attraction at Animal
Kindgom, called Expedition Everest, and importing attractions from other
Disney theme parks, including Cinderellebration from Tokyo Disneyland,
the Lights, Motors, Action show from Walt Disney Studios park in
Paris, Soarin' from Disney's California Adventure park, and Lucky the
Dinosaur, which was on trial display at Disneyland last year.
Disneyland Paris is introducing its version of the Wishes fireworks
show, originally from Walt Disney World. Tokyo DisneySea opens two new
rides by 2006: its own version of Tower of Terror, and a new thrill ride
in the Lost River Delta section of the park.
The Disney Cruise Line comes to California from late May to mid-August for
a series of 12 seven-night cruises between Los Angeles and Mexico. Two 14-day
repositioning cruises will move the Disney Magic through the Panama Canal
on its way to and from Los Angeles.
Michael Eisner, Julie Andrews, Art Linkletter and Minnie Mouse participate in
Disneyland's birthday announcement. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
Disney CEO Michael Eisner, Disney President and Chief Operating Officer Bob
Iger and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts President Jay Rasulo attended the announcement,
which featured guest appearances by Art Linkletter and Julie Andrews. Andrews
will serve as Disneyland's Honorary Ambassador during the promotion.
Sleeping Beauty Castle will receive a birthday overlay, complete with “crowns”
on each of the five turrets. Concept artwork copyright Disney. Used with permission.
Disneyland will celebrate with a promotion called “The Happiest
Homecoming on Earth,” which includes:
- An overlay on Sleeping Beauty Castle
- “Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams,” a new parade at Disneyland
- “Remember… Dreams Come True,” a new fireworks show at Disneyland
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters at Disneyland
- A “re-Imagineered” Space Mountain
- A Disneyland history exhibit at Disneyland's Main Street Opera House, featuring
a new film.
- “Block Party Bash,” a new parade at Disney's California Adventure,
featuring characters from Pixar films.
Some attendees were disappointed that the announcements contained no real surprises,
and no news about replacing either Rocket Rods or Submarine Voyage in
Disneyland, or Super Star Limo in DCA.
The original Disneyland park opened in Anaheim, California on July 17,
1955.
To view today's ceremony, click on the links below.
MousePlanet will provide more detailed coverage of the 50th anniversary
celebration tomorrow.
Thoughts, questions,
or comments? Contact Adrienne here. |
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